Not for: Serious shoppers. Unlike islands with slews of duty-free shops, Anguilla’s retail offerings are basically limited to galleries showing the work of local artists and hotel gift shops.

Highlight: Water-taxi to tiny Scilly Cay for a barbecued lobster curry lunch. Grab a waterside table at the islet’s restaurant, place an order, and snorkel while you await your meal (264-497-5123).

Sweet Dreams: Cap Juluca is a luxurious hotel on a sweeping strip of beach. White villas topped with Moorish domes house guest rooms, which have massive, shuttered windows and balconies overlooking the Caribbean (888-858-5822; capjuluca.com). Kú, a new hotel, appeals to a chic but slightly less-moneyed set. This 27-room spot on Shoal Bay East takes inspiration from Miami’s South Beach in its pastel décor. And its white-sand beach is lovely (800-869-5827; kuanguilla.com).

2. Antigua

Antigua is a water world, with beautiful beaches for sunbathers and perfect anchorages for sailors. Even its most historic attraction—Nelson’s Dockyard, once home to the British fleet in the Caribbean—is thoroughly nautical.

Best for: Canoodling and skinny-dipping on serene, secluded beaches. Another plus: The atmosphere at most of the resorts is decidedly romantic and sophisticated—not too “kiddie” and not too commercial.

Not for: Couples who hope to browse for luxury goods at duty-free shops.

Highlight: The Home Restaurant. Make time to enjoy an authentic West Indian feast at this top-rated gem (thehomerestaurant.com; 268-461-7651).

Sweet Dreams: For laid-back elegance, the Curtain Bluff Resort is a sure thing—especially because all of its 72 rooms have stunning views of an unspoiled beach and the blue Atlantic. Room 75 has a balcony with a Jacuzzi (888-289-9898; curtainbluff.com). A more affordable option: The 19-room Coco’s Antigua, an intimate all-inclusive property, is chic and romantic (cocoshotel.com; 268-460-2626).

3. Aruba

Quiet lounging isn’t Aruba’s big draw—instead, people visit this desert island for near-perfect weather year-round and for the opportunity to fill their itineraries with activities.

Best for: Honeymooners who want a party scene, shopping, scuba diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Not for: Couples who dream of tropical jungles and majestic mountains (Aruba is dry and flat). However, its beaches are spectacular, with powdery sand and crystal-clear water.

Highlight: The ultimate must-do for honeymooners: a private sunset sail via catamaran. Your concierge can help you arrange one.

Sweet Dreams: The 104-room Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba is a favorite for honeymooners who crave seclusion and luxury, in part because it’s set on Eagle Beach, the largest and prettiest on the island. Rooms feature king-size beds, private terraces and chic, contemporary furnishings (888-4-BUCUTI; bucuti.com). Meanwhile, the more affordable 119-room Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort is revamping the décor of its suites with punched-up colors and wicker furnishings (dividutchvillage.com; 297-583-5000).

Scuba divers delight in exploring hundreds of wrecks surrounding St. Kitts, some of which date back to the 1700s. This relatively undeveloped island features quiet beaches with volcanic black sand on the northern half and white sand on the southern half.

Curacao

Thirty-eight small, gorgeous beaches frame the turquoise waters around Curacao, and each one offers a distinct experience, from secluded to surrounded by cliffs. Scuba divers and snorkelers will find this a world-class destination, as will windsurfers and boaters of all kinds.